Protecting Eyes from Sun UV Damage & Injury

NY Ophthalmologist Andreas Wolter, M.D. advised patients to take the necessary precautions in order to protect their eyes against damage and injury from the sun and excessive UV light exposure. “May is a time when we begin to spend more time outdoors enjoying the beauty of our Hudson Valley NY scenery. May also marks Ultraviolet or UV Eye Protection Awareness Month so we wanted to comment on UV protective eyewear and precautions people should take,” commented Dr. Wolter of Seeta Eye Centers with offices serving the Hudson Valley in Poughkeepsie, Fishkill and Carmel, New York. With more exposure to the sun and ultraviolet or UV rays on a daily basis, we need to be reminded to use proper UV eye protection”, remarked Dr. Wolter. 

Almost everyone is aware of the potential damage that sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause to their skin. However most people either don’t know or don’t appreciate the negative impact UV light can have on eye heath and vision. Exposure to UV has been linked to many eye problems and in some instances is thought to quicken the onset of eye diseases such as cataract, age related macular degeneration (AMD), certain cancers on the delicate skin around the eye, Pterygia-a growth of white tissue on the surface of the eye-and even photokeratitis, a type of sunburn of the cornea. One of the most concerning aspects of UV eye damage and injury is that it is cumulative and often doesn’t become noticeable to patients for many years. 

Some precautions regarding UV eye protection include: 

• Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays. 
• Wear a brimmed hat along with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. 
• Choose wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes.
• Be aware that although some contact lenses may offer UV protection, they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it. 
• Choose sunglasses made of unbreakable polycarbonate, especially for children and for those who lead active lifestyles. 
• Be sure to ask your doctor about the photosensitizing side effects of any medications that you might take. 
• Always wear eye protection when using a tanning bed. According the American Academy of Ophthalmology, tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times more than the sun, which can cause serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids. 

If you or someone you know has a question or concerns about UV eye damage or injury call Seeta Eye Centers and schedule an eye examination by calling 845-454-1025, visiting Seeta Eye Centers or facebook.com/seetaeyecenters. 

Seeta Eye Centers is conveniently located for patients from Westchester County, Rockland County and throughout the Hudson Valley, Dutchess County and Orange County including Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Middletown, Kingston, New Paltz, Newburgh, Beacon, Bedford, Catskill, Cornwall, Eastchester, Ellenville, Florida, Goshen, Harriman, Harrison, Highland, Highland Falls, Kerhonkson, Mahopac, Monroe, Montgomery, Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, New City, Scarsdale, Saugerties, Spring Valley, Tarrytown, West Point, White Plains, Woodstock, Yorktown Heights and Yonkers, NY.